The Child Development Center at Teaching Research Institute (TRI-CDC) has earned the highest quality rating for child care programs in the state through Oregon’s Quality Rating & Improvement System (QRIS). Housed on the campus of Western Oregon University, theTRI-CDC is the first 5-Star rated child care program in Polk County, and is now one of only 26 of the highest rated programs in the state.

Oregon’s QRIS is an integral part of the Governor’s 40/40/20 plan that aims for a 100% high school graduation rate by the year 2025. Developing high quality early learning programs throughout the state is seen as an essential element to reaching that goal.

“A 5-star program excels across all the standards that indicate quality in early learning for all children,” noted Dr. Ella Taylor, Director, Teaching Research Institute. These highest rated programs have created exceptional environments for learning and development, and reflect various cultures, ethnic groups, and races; represent different ages, genders, and various abilities. 5-Star programs also work with families to encourage participation, and program staff have earned significant early learning credentials. “The educators and programs at the TRI-CDC have always been on the cutting edge of early childhood education, and we are proud to receive this recognition from the state,” Taylor continues.

Experts in the field of early childhood care and education evaluated materials submitted by the TRI-CDC and conducted classroom observations using research-based standards that address the five criteria for rating: children’s learning and development; health and safety; personnel qualifications; family partnerships; and administration and business practices. 

The Child Development Center is committed to quality care and learning for all children. According to Ingrid Amerson, CDC Director, “Everything we do is based on the knowledge that the first years of life build the foundation for lifelong learning and success.  That’s why we are among the first early learning programs in Oregon to receive this highest QRIS rating.”

“Our programs integrate learning activities into each child’s daily routine to meet his or her individual developmental needs.  We are an inclusive program serving children of all ability levels,” stated Amerson.  “Our curriculum for school-age children brings together creative play and project-based programing, along with homework assistance, a healthy snack, and most importantly - fun!”

TRI-CDC provides quality care and education for children 30 months to 10 years of age, serving the families of WOU students, staff and faculty, as well as from the surrounding community.  The TRI-CDC provide both a pre-school program and a school-age after school enrichment program. The Child Development Center has been in operation on the WOU campus for over 25 years. 

For more information, or to register your child go to tricdc.org, or contact Ingrid Amerson, at amersoi@wou.edu or call 503-838-8769.